Sat 31st Aug 19

The two Wryneck were in the Dell again this morning, with one reported at 07:45 by Pete Loud and 30 mins. later Ian Minton had two in the same area. The Wrynecks were present until mid-day at least.


Pete Loud

Good start this morning with the 2 Wrynecks in dell, otherwise bushes quiet. Managed 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser & 6 Com. Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler & Gt.Spotted Woodpecker.
Scrape,1 Snipe, 8 Blackwits, 4 Avocets, 1 Curlew, 30+Teal, 1 Wigeon, 10 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier & 1 Sparrowhawk.
1 Wheatear & 1 Whinchat by wooden Hide.1 juv med Gull and group of 9 Sandwich Terns north from cafe.(IM,MM,PL).


At the end of August the total number of species recorded on the site so far this year stands at 169.

Fri 30th Aug 19

The Wryneck was located again this morning by Denis Pryor at around 06:30 in the Badger Set area and gave brief view all day although very mobile. It is possible that there are still 2 birds in the area as two groups were watching a bird at the same time in different locations although not definite.

Photo Max Martin©

Photo Max Martin©

A cracking male Redstart was located by Matt Lonsdale in the hedge at the bottom of the car park around 8 o'clock and re-found by Pete Davis an hour later in the same place, unfortunately it didn't show for anyone else despite much searching.

Otherwise it was much the same with 9+ Willow Warbler, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Blackcaps (singing), and 1 Garden Warbler.

Two Whinchats were ringed this morning near the wooden hide (see Ringing page).

Been away for a few days so time for a quick catch up.


Tue 27th Aug

Matt Lonsdale made an early start as usual and reported it being quiet, having 2 Chiffchaffs, 5+ Blackcaps, 1 Lesser & 3+ Common Whitethroats plus a couple of Yellow Wagtails (over).


Wed 28th Aug

Max Martin had a Hobby (south) over the sewage works and a green wing tagged Marsh Harrier over the back of the scrape around 09:00
Pete Davis had a Spotted Flycatcher in the Dell at 09:18.


Thu 29th Aug

A great start to the day for Max Martin when he found himself a lifer in the form of our near annual end of August Wryneck in the Dell around 9 o'clock in the morning.

The Wryneck was seen throughout the day around the Dell area although elusive at times, at 15:30 RBA reported 2 Wryneck at the Haven and at tea time Pete Loud & Matt Lonsdale had the two birds sitting in the same bush

Other sightings from the day were a Coal Tit and a Spotted Flycatcher in the Dell at 09:30, a Pied Flycatcher in the Dell at 11:55, 2 Whinchat in the moth sanctuary at 18;34 and 12 Wheatear along the seawall between Holland & Frinton at 19:30.

Mon 26th Aug 19

Paul Braishaw

07:36 Scrape fairly quiet.  10 Blackwit, 3 Snipe, 2 Dunlin and a Wigeon.


Pete Loud

08:09 Pied Fly & 2 Willow Warblers at the dipping pond.
09:48 From raised platform,1 Pied Fly,1 Marsh Harrier 1 Barwit in with 2 Curlew that flew north, several Blackcaps and Whitethroats,1 Cetti’s Warbler.
11:57 Walk along seawall 1 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel & 3 Turnstone  on seawall. 2 Whinchat by moth enclosure.

Dave Cummings

12:23  Spoonbill on scrape.


Paul Braishaw

17:55 Two spoonbill on scrape, two whinchat still by wooden hide and at least four med gull hawking over marsh and golf course.


Matt Lonsdale

19:33 2 Pied Flycatchers at bottom of orchard.
20:11 2 Spoonbill still on the scrape.

Sun 25th Aug 19

Much quieter around the bushes today, a single Pied Flycatcher was found around the Dipping pond first thing by Pete Loud & two more were in the Orchard area later in the morning (PRD) otherwise just a few Lesser & Common Whitethroats, Willow Warblers & a Chiffchaff. PRD/PL/IM/MR

Around 08:30 Matt Lonsdale had a juv. Spoonbill fly north passed the Raised Platform that seemed to land in the scrape area, at the same time he reported a prob. Tree Sparrow flying about but couldn’t locate it. Just over an hour later a Tree Sparrow was located in this area in the same bush as yesterday by Pete, Ian and myself.

Paul Braishaw had a walk from Frinton to the Farm and reported, 09:00 At least 4 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 4 Whitethroat paddocks Frinton side of farm pond, a Hobby over farm and 09:40 a Pied Flycatcher still at the farm. Southern edge of paddocks to right of footpath to Golf Course.

On the way to the hide a Stonechat (male) was on the mounds and 2 Wheatear (1 TDC compound / 1 on 1st. pillbox) were seen along with Swallows, House & Sand Martins.

From the hide :- c150 Greylag, c30 Teal, 8 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, c60 Lapwing, 8 Avocet, 4 BlkWits, 2 Com. Sands, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, 12 Curlew (over), Bearded Tits (heard only). 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel. PL/IM/MR

Sat 24th Aug 19

Ian Minton

08:27 10+ Wheatear in paddocks behind farm pond.


Max Martin

09:05 Tree Sparrow in brook bushes from orchard + 3 Whinchat.

Photo Max Martin©

Tony Critcher

09:48 Hobby past hide towards Frinton. No sign of spoonbills


Matt Lonsdale

09:53 Brief Spot Fly in Dell all we can dig out in flycatcher department so far, Garden Warbler on approach road only other bird of note (PL)
11:00 Scrape- first Wigeon of the autumn, LRP, Dunlin, Common Sand, Green Sand (TC), Whimbrel, 5 Blackwit, few Avocet, Swifts and all the common hirundines.
11:43 Pied Flycatcher ringing compound.

Photo Max Martin©

16:14 Pied fly at farm in similar place to yesterday.
16:34 2 Mistle Thrush, Whinchat and 4+ Wheatear in Farm paddocks, Also Chiffchaff.

Fri 23rd Aug 19

I joined Pete Loud & Matt checking around the bushes this morning with good numbers of warblers about and 1 Hobby, 2 Spotted Flycatchers & 1 Pied Flycatcher noted before Pete Davis reported 2 Spoonbill's on the scrape, so everyone headed for the hide. The 2 Juv. Spoonbills were feeding happily on the scrape for most of the morning.

From the hide :- 2 Spoonbills, c170 Greylags, c45 Teal, 8 Avocet, 6 BlkWits, 3 LRP's, 2 Dunlin, 1 Com. Sandpiper, 70 Lapwing, 9 Curlew, 8 Cormorant, 3 Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel. PRD/PL/ML/DW/MR/JH.



Matt Lonsdale

Haven 06:20-13:00

2 spoonbill (juvs), 4 Pied Fly, 3 Spot Fly, Whinchat, 9 Wheatear, Stonechat, Hobby, 11+ Willow Warbler, 15+ Blackcap, 11+ Lesser, 15+ Common Whitethroat, 1 Yellow Wag (s), 1 Grey Wag (s), 2 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 8 Blackwit, 1 Com. Sand, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Avocet, 1 Fulmar (s), Greenshank + Ringed Plover (s), Med Gull, 30+ Teal. Lots of hirundines, Reed and Sedge Warblers around.

Thu 22nd Aug 19

Much quieter around the bushes this morning, still good numbers of Lesser & Com. Whitethroat & Blackcaps but only a couple of Willow Warblers & just one Spotted Flycatcher. Lots of Swallows, House & Sand Martins overhead for most of the morning.

From the hide :-  5 Com. Sands, 3 LRP's, 2 Green Sands, 1 Dunlin, 5 Avocet, 6 BlkWit's, c30 Lapwing, 45 Teal, 1 Shoveler, c140 Greylags, c7 Canada Geese, 10 Cormorants, 4 Grey Heron, 4 Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Marsh Harriers. PRD/CB/MR.

Wed 21st Aug 19

Matt Lonsdale

07:20 Pied Flycatcher in first large willow after dipping pond in car park.
6:20-7:40 This morning. 1 Pied Flycatcher, 12+ Willow Warbler, 8+ Blackcap, 4+ Lesser Whitethroat, 6+ Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush. 
Southbound :- 15+ Swift and Sand Martin, c50 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Curlew, 1 Ringed Plover.



The first 2 hours of the morning were spent with Ian & Max checking the bushes around the Dell, the Approach Rd. and Dipping pond areas, lots of Willow Warbler, Lesser & Common Whitethroat, Blackcap were noted plus a few Chiffchaffs and Reed Warblers, but no sign of the Pied Flycatcher from earlier. 
Moving on to the top end of the car park a Spotted Flycatcher was flushed from the bushes on the greensward and a few minutes later relocated in the elder at the bottom of the Orchard. A Pied Flycatcher was seen briefly on the Feeding Stn. fence and a Garden Warbler was found near the memorials. MM/MR. A short while later Pete Davis had a second Spotted Flycatcher on the hedge near the sewage works.

Super Whinchat ringed during this mornings ringing session in the reedbed (for details and picture see ringing page).

Tue 20th Aug 19


Matt Lonsdale

06:30-07:30 1 Spot Fly, 25+ Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 4 Lesser and 5 Common Whitethroat. 35+ Swift, 15+ Sand Martin and quite a few Swallow south.



After Matt's early start there were still lots of warblers around the bushes later in the morning, unfortunately the Spotted Flycatcher couldn't be relocated.

From the hide :- 100+ Greylag, 4+ Canada Geese, 12 Avocet, 6 BlkWits, 3 Com. Sandpipers, 2 LRP's, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, c40 Lapwing, 2 Lt. Egrets, 2 Grey Heron, 9 Cormorants, 1 Common Tern, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk. PRD/DC/DW/MR

3+ Whinchat & 3 Wheatear were in the area around the wooden hide. DW/MR



Matt Lonsdale

17:00 - 18:15 a walk from the Farm to golf course and back. 

1 Yellowhammer, 2 Whinchat, 15 Wheatear, 3 Willow Warbler, + a few Whitethroat and a Green Woodpeckers.

Mon 19th Aug 19

A new week but very little change around the site today, and still very windy. 
A couple of hours spent around the bushes gave 4 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler.

From the hide :- 100+ Greylag, 7 Canada Geese, 19 Teal, 7 Cormorant, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Avocet, c50 Lapwing, 2 LRP's, 3 Dunlin, 2 Com. Sandpipers, 1 Com. Tern, Blk headed & Herring gulls, 3 Kestrel. PRD/MM/MR.

Sun 18th Aug 19

Quite a few Warblers around the bushes this morning including 2 Garden Warblers, 7+ Willow Warblers & good numbers of Blackcap, Whitethroat & Lesser Whitethroat. 

From the hide :- 120+ Greylag, 7 Canada Geese, 9 Teal, 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Avocet, c60 Lapwing, 6 Whimbrel, 2 LRP's, 2 Com. Sands, 2 Dunlin, 2 BlkWits, 3 Oystercatcher, Blk Headed & Herring Gulls, 1 Med Gull (juv), 1 GBB, 2 LBB, 1 Com. Tern, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 2 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat Pair), 1 Sedge Warbler
During the rain showers a good movement of Swallows, House & Sand Martins & c15 Swifts were noted.PL/IM/MM/MR.


Paul Braishaw

Evening sea wall run - 8 Wheatear plus 2 Whinchat by wooden hide still.  Steady trickle of Common Terns south.

Sat 17th Aug 19


Pete Loud

This morning :- 30+ Swift & 10+ Sand Martin south.

Bushes :- Willow Warbler 6, Chiff 2, Lesser Whitethroat 4, Whitethroat 10+, Blackcaps 10+, Reed Warbler 4.

Scrape :- 2 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 1 Blackwit, 1 Com Sand, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 7 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 16 Avocet, 1 Cetti’s, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard & Sparrowhawk.

Wooden Hide area :- 2 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear & 2 Stonechat on mounds.

Fri 16th Aug 19


Matt Lonsdale

Quick 6:50-7:30 around bushes 

9+ Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 5+ Blackcap, 3+ Lesser and 3+ Whitethroat. Few Swifts over.



A Chiffchaff was in the feeding station when I headed to the hide this morning, but the ringing compound and mounds were quiet.
From the hide :- 144 Greylags, 7 Canada Geese, 2 Teal, 8 Cormorant, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 18 Avocet, c20 Lapwing, 2 LRP's, 2 Dunlin, 1 Com. Sand, 1 BlkWit, 2 Curlew, 3 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, MR + 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 1 Med Gull PRD/JH.

A walk to the 2nd. pillbox added 3 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat (near the wooden hide) & 4 Com. Scoter (S). MR



Liz Huxley

This afternoon on scrape: 15 avocet, 2 dunlin, 2 LRP, 1 blackwit, 1 common sand, 2 common tern. Also 2+ willow warb in bushes; 1 whinchat + 1 wheatear near wooden hide.

Thu 15th Aug 19


Matt Lonsdale

This Morning 
Scrape- LRP, 2 Blackwit, Common Tern, 2 Dunlin, Common Sand, 8 Teal, Little Egret and Grey Heron, juv Med Gull, 5 Wheatear.
Bushes- 9+ Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 7+ Whitethroat. 25 Swift and few mixed hirundines over south.

Max Martin

09:43 3 Egyptian Geese on scrape.


Pete Davis

16:18 Whinchat on fence by wooden Hide.

Pete Loud

19:12  2 Whinchats by wooden Hide ,this evening and Spotted Flycatcher, boat compound by river authority cottages.


Matt Lonsdale

19:32  Haven 4-7 this evening. 
2 Whinchat, 1 Spot Fly (PL), 5+ Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wag, 5 Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, few Whitethroats, 2 Stonechat. 
Scrape- 3 Egyptian Geese, LRP, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sand, Blackwit, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Med Gull, 8 Teal and Common Tern.
20+ Swift, c15 Sand Martin and juv Med Gull south.

Wed 14th Aug 19

Matt Lonsdale

Haven 6:30-7:30 
Bushes: Tree Pipit, c15 Willow Warbler, 5+ Lesser Whitethroat, 6+ Whithetroat, 5+ Blackcap, 2 juv Reed Warblers. 
Mounds juv Stonechat, c40 Mipits. 
Scrape- 2 Common Sands, Dunlin, 7 Teal, 4 Blackwit (3 left south), 
8 + Wheatear on bales. 
Offshore 2 Knot, Whimbrel, Sandwich Tern and Sanderling south. 
50+ Swift over and few hirundines south. 

Dell, dipping pond and approach road not covered.


Max Martin

09:16 13 Redshank just dropped into the scrape.



A late start for me again today, just a few Whitethroat and House Sparrows in the Dell as the wind picked up and the rain started, so headed to the hide.

From the hide :- 128 Greylag, 7 Canada Geese (the family group again 6 juvs & 1 adult), 7 Teal, 9 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Dunlin, 2 Com. Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 1 LRP (juv), 200+ Blk H Gulls, 6 Med Gulls, 6 LBB, 2 GBB, Herring Gulls, 1 Com. Tern, 1 Wheatear.
For most of the morning it was raining heavily and the Avocet were not happy as birds were dropping in, thankfully another 4 of the Avo chicks were taking their first flights this morning. 
The Dunlin, Com Sands, LRP & one of the Greenshank were still about when I left around 12:30. 
  

Tue 13th Aug 19

Around the bushes today were 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, several Lesser and Common Whitethroats and a few Blackcaps. On the mounds were Linnets, Goldfinch, Mippits and a pair of Stonechat and at the sluice a lone Whimbrel was having a walk along the promenade.

From the hide :- c20 Avocet, 1+ Com. Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, c20 Lapwing, c150 Greylag, 1 Teal (female on pond to right of hide), 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard only), 5 Wheatear (on bails to right of hide) PRD/DC/MM/MR 
Also 1 Ruff, PRD/MM 3 Bearded Tit. MM.

Mon 12th Aug 19

A short visit to the site just before lunch started around the ringing compound where a tit flock  included L T Tits, Blue Tits & 2 Willow Warblers, on the mounds were a Chiffchaff, Linnets & Goldfinch. On the beach to the north of the sluice were 2 Sanderling & 3 Oystercatchers.
From the hide :- 22 Avocet, c15 Lapwing, 4 BlkWit's, 3 Redshank, 4 Curlew, 1 Greenshank, 2+ Common Sand, 1 Com. Tern (briefly), c30 Swallows, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 107 Greylag, 2 Buzzard, 3 Kestrel.

Reported earlier were 1 Dunlin, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Wheatear. DW/TS.


Liz Huxley

On scrape this afternoon: 22 Avocet (19 juv), c50 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6 Curlew.  Also 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Wheatear.


Matt Lonsdale

Bush bash this evening felt rare and busy. 
Garden Warbler 18:40 in sluice cottage gardens. Lots of other Sylvia’s at least 5+ Blackcaps, Lesser and Common Whitethroat. 5+ Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffs. Also passage of c75 Swifts and 50+ mixed hirundines between 17:30-40 ahead of rain. Greenshank called going over.

Sun 11th Aug 19

Pete Loud

Around bushes this morning, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Reed Warbler. 
Ringing compound, Probable Pied Fly still, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, viewing difficult in wind. 
Scrape:- 1 Green Sand,1 Common Sand, 1 Snipe, 5 Whimbrel & 5 Wheatear.

11:20 Pied Fly now showing near entrance to ringing compound.

Sat 10th Aug 19

Matt Lonsdale

Morning seawatch- 07:00 - 09:00. 

Fulmar (N), Com Scoter (S), Teal (S), c10 Sandwich Tern (S), 3 Common Tern (N), 4 Grey Plover (S) (pl), 3 Bar-tailed Godwit (S), 2 Knot (S), Ringed Plover (S), Greenshank (S), Whimbrel (S), 3 Comic Tern (N). frustrating large unidentified raptor south. (Prob. Marsh Harrier seen by Paul Braishaw off Frinton).

Pied fly still in far right corner of ringing compound. Staying low and quite elusive. 
1 Wood Sand, 4 Common Sand, Yellow Wag and Gt. S Woodpecker from the hide.

Fri 9th Aug 19

Late start this morning so headed for the hide, all was much the same on the scrape.

From the hide :- 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Com. Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper (1st. thing only), 22 Avocet, c40 Lapwing, 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 90+ Greylag (dropped in at 11:30).

The newly cut and bailed marsh to the right of the hide was interesting with the bails being perches for 1 Buzzard, 3 Juv. Kestrels, 6 Stock Doves and 8 Wheatear at one time + 2 Curlew on the ground.

On the return to the car a Pied Flycatcher was located along the track near the ringing compound.

A short while later Matt Lonsdale reported that there were 2 Pied Flycatchers in the same area and these birds remained on view until 17:30 at least.

A quick look around the site at this time added just 2 Willow Warblers and 2 Blackcaps of note.

Matt Lonsdale

Late afternoon / early evening.

Bushes- 2 Pied Flycatchers still, few Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat. 

Scrape :- 1 Wood and 1 Common Sand. Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron and 5 Wheatear. 

Offshore :- 4 Grey Plover south.

Thu 8th Aug 19

My morning started at the Dell where there were a few more birds than yesterday, a Wheatear was in the Dell before flying to the rocks in front of the promenade cafe, Whitethroat, Less. Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chaffinch & Linnet were all noted plus a flock of 10+ House Sparrows and a Gt. Spotted Woodpecker. 2 Willow Warblers were in the wood to the south of the Dell & a Reed Warbler was at the Dipping pond.

From the Hide :-  20+ Avocet, 3 Com. Sands, 1+ Wood Sand, 1 LRP (first thing), 1 Dunlin, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Bearded Tit, lots of Greylags, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk CB/DC/MR.


Simon Cox

During this mornings ringing session a Marsh Harrier & 2 Wheatear were seen.


Matt Lonsdale

This evening- 
Scrape- 2 Wood Sand, 2 Com Sand. 
Bushes- 1 of each Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Green Woodpecker.
Offshore- 33 Oystercatcher (30 south + 3 in/off).

Wed 7th Aug 19

Quiet around the bushes today. Whitethroat, Less. Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Goldfinch & Linnet all noted in small numbers + 1 Green Woodpecker

From the hide :- 2 Wood Sands, 3 Com. Sands, 1 Dunlin, 22 Avocet (adults & young), 3 Oystercatcher, c40 Lapwing (on marsh at back of scrape), 74 Greylag, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Cetti's Warbler (heard), c 20 Swallows, 4 Sand Martin, PRD/DW/JH/MR.

A few Painted Ladies and a Southern Hawker Dragonfly were also seen (see Haven Wildlife).



Simon Cox

Late afternoon today :- 2 Wood Sands, 1-2 Common Sands, 2 Black-tailed Godwit's, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard.

Tue 6th Aug 19

A Garden Warbler was seen in the Dell again this morning along with Whitethroat, Blackcap, Greenfinch, Goldfinch in good numbers but once again the rest of the site was quiet.

From the hide :- 2 Wood Sands, 3+ Com. Sands, 10 Avocet + 16 Young, c80 Lapwing (on marsh behind scrape), 3 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlew, 6 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrel, c20 Swallows, 2 Sand Martin. DW/CB/MR  

Mon 5th Aug 19

Much the same around the site this morning with a few Whitethroat, Less. Whitethroat, Blackcap around the Dell, a juv. Willow Warbler in a Tit flock at the Dipping pond and Goldfinch, Linnets and a pair of Stonechat on the mounds.

From the hide :- 2 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Com. Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin (+ 4 fly overs), 8 Avocet + 12 Young, c50 Lapwing (on marsh behind scrape), 3 Oystercatchers, 7 Cormorants, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lt. Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Buzzard, 4 Kestrel, 1 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, fly over), 1 Common Gull (juv.). PRD/DW/MR.


Matt Lonsdale

Haven this evening
Scrape :- 2 Wood Sand, 4+ Common Sand, Little Egret and Grey Heron.
Bushes quiet :- 2 juv. Willow Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
50+ Sand Martin south and 3 Sandwich Tern feeding offshore other highlights.

Sun 4th Aug 19

First thing this morning Pete Loud found the first Garden Warbler of the year in the Dell, along with lots of Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and Blackcaps. Also noted 1 Sparrowhawk along the approach road. 
Unfortunately when Ian, Matt and myself turned up a short while later the Garden Warbler couldn't be relocated but a Willow Warbler, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch + a fly-over Greenshank were added to the day list.
Moving through the rest of the site was a bit of a disappointment as it was very quiet, the high point being a brief flight view of the juv. Cuckoo from yesterday, near the memorials.

Things on the scrape were much the same as Paul Braishaw had reported a earlier.

From the hide :- 2 Wood Sandpipers, 3+ Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 BlkWits,  27 Greylag, 7 Canada Geese (1 adult, 6 fledged young), 7 Cormorants, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Stonechat (juv.), and a few Mippits and Linnets. PL/IM/MR

On the way back to the car park the juv. Cuckoo flew over the mounds and landed in the bushes along the path to the hide.

Sat 3rd Aug 19

First thing Max Martin had a juv. Cuckoo in the memorials bushes.

On view from the hide this morning were 2 Wood Sandpiper, c4 Common Sandpiper, single Green Sandpiper, juv Yellow Wagtail, Little Egret, 2 Dunlin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker over. Avocet numbers remain the same as recent days. IM/MM/JH/PRD  
The mounds were very busy today with c150 birds including c50 Linnets, 30 Goldfinch, 30 Meadow Pipit along with Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler and Stonechat. PRD.

Fri 2nd Aug 19

Thankfully a more relaxed morning at the Haven today as the travelers have moved on, but sadly so had most of the birds.

From the hide :- 14 Avocet (+ young), 3 Com. Sandpipers, 3 Snipe, 3 Oystercatcher,  2 Blk.T.Godwit, c40 Lapwing (on marsh behind scrape), c30 Blk. H. Gulls, 11 Cormorant, 1 Lt. Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Bearded Tit, c40 Swallows, 2 Sand Martin. PRD/JH/MM/DC/MR

A walk to the second pillbox added 1 Wheatear, and a few Meadow Pipits and Skylark.

A Stonechat (juv.) was on the mounds + Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. A Gt. S Woodpecker and a Willow Warbler (juv) were in the car park bushes.

Thu 1st Aug 19

Not quite the numbers that some places have, but nice to still have 3 Wood Sands on the scrape for the start of a new month.

From the hide :- 16 Avocet +18 young, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Com. Sandpipers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher + 2 chicks, 47 Lapwing (on marsh at back of scrape), 8 Blk.T. Godwits, (made two attempts to land then flew out south), 44 Blk.H. Gulls, 1 Shelduck, 11 Cormorants, 6 Greylag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, a few Swallows, 3 Sand Martin MM/CB/MR